Croatia's Brazilian-born striker Eduardo Da Silva hit a hat-trick and Darjo Srna added a penalty as the visitors scored a dramatic 4-3 win over Israel to go top of Euro 2008 qualifying Group E on Wednesday.

The Croats dominated for most of the match and ended Israel's seven-year unbeaten run in Tel Aviv after surviving an early scare.

Israel took the lead after seven minutes when Roberto Colautti pounced on a soft backpass to keeper Vedran Runje to give the Israeli striker the easiest of tap-ins. Croatia grew in strength and equalised from the penalty spot in the 35th minute when Israel goalkeeper Dudu Aouate fouled Da Silva. The Israeil was lucky not to get sent off by referee Eduardo Iturralde of Spain as he was the last man in front of goal.

Da Silva wasted little time in getting his own back and countered with a quick strike four minutes later for the visitors to take the lead. He added his second and Croatia's third in the 54th minute just when it looked as if Israel might get back into the match.

Yossi Benayoun reduced the arrears with a goal in the 68th minute but again Da Silva would not be denied and made it 4-2 in the 72nd minute.

Colautti rekindled Israeli hopes towards the end when he scored in the 88th minute, but it was too little too late for the home side.